Findlay honors officers that died in the line of duty
FINDLAY, Ohio (WTVG) - A moving memorial Monday night in Findlay, honoring those who protect and serve and those who’ve died in the line of duty. Community members gathered Monday night to honor the lives of officers who have died in the line of duty as well as celebrate those who continue to serve our communities.
“They put on the badge, they went to work and they upheld the law and made everyone in the city feel safe and secure when they go to bed at night or during the day. And that’s what we ask of our people and they do a great job. So it’s just another way to give back to make sure that they’re not forgotten over these years.” said James Mathias, chief of police for the city of Findlay.
10 officers from different departments across Hancock County were honored for giving the ultimate sacrifice, including officers dating back to the late 1800s.
The guest speaker at the ceremony was Vaune Akers. Vaune’s husband Doug took his own life on December 31st, 2018.
“Not too long after he died, and I was left brokenhearted and of loss, my mind started to go toward, ‘How did this happen and how can we prevent this from happening again?’” said Akers.
Vaune is involved in volunteer work with First H.E.L.P., a non-profit organization committed to reducing the mental health stigma among first responders and providing support to the families of those lost to suicide. She is also in the process of creating a scholarship in her husband’s name.
“My great fear is that he will be forgotten. That when all of his buddies that are nearing retirement retire, and they move on, nobody’s gonna know him. They won’t know his story unless there’s a legacy left behind that you can look at and say, ‘Okay, who is this guy and why is there this scholarship?’ So it’s a way of remembering and honoring him.” said Akers.
Vaune says she hopes the message of the evening was to spread awareness about officer struggles and let them know they aren’t alone.
“That it’s okay to talk about it. The conversation has to happen. It shouldn’t be hidden, it shouldn’t be tucked away. Their struggles are real and we have to acknowledge them and we have to tell them it’s okay. You are going to struggle. You are gonna need help eventually and it’s okay to ask for it.” said Akers.
The Findlay police chief told 13 Action News the department is making sure that every officer -- new or seasoned -- have some officer wellness available to them as well as a team that aids officers after experiencing a traumatic event.
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